Frank McCarroll, Cowboy, Actor, Stuntman

Frank McCarroll, Cowboy, Actor, Stuntman

  Saturday, October 30, 2021    Ron Field

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Frank appeared in at least 190 westerns and 10 serials. After leaving the family farm he started out with dual careers as a rodeo performer and a pro wrestler. 

On the rodeo circuit Frank specialized in steer wrestling (bulldogging). Frank was often champ or won second or third place money. His many championships included first place finishes at the 1916 and 1931 Pendleton, Oregon Roundup.

Frank married Mary Ellen 'Bonnie' Treadwell (1892-1929) who was also a rodeo performer and they married in 1914 in Boise, Idaho which became their home base. Bonnie was critically injured while ridding the bronc 'Black Cat' at the 1929 Pendleton event and passed away about ten days later.  Bonnie was the subject of the famous photo (below) which has sometimes been associated with her death which is incorrect and was taken earlier in her career.

In the early 1930's Frank married Lorris 'Lorrie' Schiller/ Schuller and shortly after started a new career in movies. He worked most often in B westerns, portraying gang members as well as doing extensive stunt work and doubling. He freelanced anywhere and everywhere. 

He has appeared in movies with such legendary actors as, John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Gene Autry, Jimmy Stewart, Allan Lane, Roy Rogers, Buster Crabb, Clark Gable, Lucille Ball and many, many more. 

Inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2007. In May 2012, the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame also inducted Frank McCarroll into their Hall of Fame.

Frank was a 1st cousin three times removed from my maternal side of the family.

Sources: Frank McCarroll (b-westerns.com), Frank McCarroll - IMDb